The ins and outs of HDR photography

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De ins en outs van HDR fotografie

You've probably heard of it: HDR photography. It stands for High Dynamic Range, and you see it everywhere these days, from modern televisions to the camera app on your smartphone. But what does HDR actually mean? And more importantly: how can you create HDR photos that truly stand out?
In this article, we'll explain step by step what HDR is, what you need, how to choose the right settings, and how to edit your images. After reading, you'll know exactly how to take your photos to the next level without buying expensive equipment.

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What is HDR?

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and refers to the difference between the lightest and darkest areas in a photo. Normally, a camera struggles with high contrast: a bright sky quickly becomes overexposed, while the shadows become almost black. With HDR, multiple exposures are combined into a single image. This allows you to capture details in both the bright sky and the dark foreground.

The result? Photos that look much more like what your eyes actually see: natural, rich in detail, and with more depth.

1. What do you need?

Camera or smartphone

A common misconception is that only expensive cameras can take HDR photos. These days, virtually every smartphone has a built-in HDR function. This is often called Auto HDR and is enabled by default. Your phone then takes multiple photos extremely quickly and combines them.

Want even more control and get the most out of HDR? Then a DSLR or mirrorless system camera is ideal. These allow you to manually adjust settings and shoot in RAW format, giving you much more flexibility in post-processing.

Tripod

A tripod is a real game-changer for HDR. Because you're taking multiple photos with different exposures, stability is crucial. A solid base prevents the images from being slightly out of alignment.

There are different types of tripods you can use, depending on your situation. Mini tripods are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for smartphone photography or when you're on the go and don't want to carry bulky equipment. Flexible tripods have bendable legs that you can easily clamp to a fence or around a pole, allowing you to shoot steadily even in awkward locations. For landscapes or more serious shoots, large tripods are the best choice: they're sturdy, offer maximum stability, and give you the freedom to work precisely.

Don't have a tripod? Improvise! Use a wall, bench, or even your backpack as a support. Also, check out our blog post about taking sharper photos , as this is crucial if you want to make the most of HDR!

Editing tools

HDR isn't just about photography; it's also about post-processing. With the right tools, you can combine separate exposures into a single image and give your photo the perfect look. Well-known programs and apps include Snapseed (free for smartphones), Lightroom Mobile (for smartphones and desktops), Lightroom Classic (desktop, comprehensive), and Vivid HDR (specifically focused on HDR).

Step-by-step plan to get the most out of HDR

Now that you understand what HDR is, what it entails, and what you need, it's time to get started. Below you'll find a step-by-step guide for taking photos with HDR.

Step 1: Choose your topic and location

HDR works best in scenes with high contrast. Think of a sunset, for example, where you want both the sky and the foreground to be clearly visible. Interiors with windows are also ideal: it's often dark inside, while it's bright outside. Landscapes with shady trees and a bright sky are also suitable subjects. However, avoid situations with a lot of movement, such as people or animals running. Because HDR combines multiple photos, moving objects can easily become blurry or appear double.

Step 2: Set up your camera

Before you begin, it's important to choose the right settings. Set your ISO as low as possible, for example, between 100 and 200, to prevent noise. Many smartphones offer this option in advanced settings. Start with a relatively fast shutter speed (for example, 1/400s) for the darkest shot, and then gradually brighten the image by increasing the shutter speed. Keep your aperture fixed at f/8, for example, to maintain a consistent depth of field. Preferably shoot in RAW if you're using a DSLR or mirrorless camera; this gives you more freedom in post-processing. Smartphones usually automatically save HDR as JPEG or HEIC, but apps like Lightroom Mobile often support RAW as well.

Step 3: Create an exposure bracket

HDR is created by combining multiple photos with different exposures. Five to seven shots are usually sufficient. Start with a photo in which your subject is still dark, gradually increase the shutter speed, and reshoot until the sky or bright areas of your image become overexposed. This way, you build a series of exposures from dark to light. A tripod keeps everything perfectly aligned. If you're using a smartphone, this often happens automatically: with Auto HDR, your device automatically takes a series of exposures and combines them instantly. If you want more control, choose an app that supports manual HDR settings.

Step 4: Edit your HDR photo

The real magic of HDR happens in post-processing. In Lightroom Classic, you can easily merge all your exposures using Photo > Photo Merge > HDR. Turn on Auto-Align to align the images precisely, and leave the automatic settings off so you retain control.

Next, you can finish your HDR photo by applying the appropriate edits. Start with the shadows: bring back details from the dark areas to reveal more, for example, trees or buildings. Next, adjust the highlights to tone down bright areas, like the sky or reflections, so they don't overexpose. Saturation can subtly enhance colors, but make sure the image remains natural and doesn't look too artificial. Finally, you can use sharpness and texture to accentuate the fine details in your photo and give it a touch more depth.

Prefer to work on mobile? Apps like Snapseed have a similar workflow, though they're simpler and faster to use.

4. Post-processing

Even small adjustments can improve your HDR results. For example, use a Bluetooth remote to avoid vibrations when pressing the shutter. Regularly check your screen and zoom in to ensure your images are truly sharp. Be subtle in post-processing; HDR can quickly look overdone with unnatural colors or harsh edges. And don't forget that you can also take impressive HDR photos with your smartphone. Many modern devices, such as iPhones and high-end Androids, have a strong HDR mode. Feel free to test it alongside your camera; sometimes the difference is surprisingly small. This makes HDR photography practical, accessible, and fun, whether you work with a smartphone or a camera.

Conclusion

HDR isn't a complicated technique, but a clever way to capture images that are closer to reality. Whether you use a smartphone or a DSLR, the right approach will help you create images full of detail and color. The key steps are simple: choose a subject with high contrast, stabilize it with a tripod or support, take a series of photos with varying exposures, and then merge them. Then, subtly polish your photo in post-processing for the best result. With this approach, you'll be able to create truly impressive HDR photos from now on. Feel free to share your creations on social media with the hashtag #mojogearhdr —we'd love to see what you've created!

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